]08 -'^'i'-\^' VORK ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 



the rod is the main object, this is probably the fish to introduce. 

 Its weight sometimes exceeds six pounds — two and a half being 

 the average. Unlike the large-mouthed bass, it hibernates in 

 winter. It requires gravel bottom for spawning. 



Under the best conditions, wuth a good food supply and con- 

 siderable area and depth of water either species of black bass 

 may increase in size at the rate of about a pound a year. In 

 lakes of several acres in extent they will do better than in small 

 ponds. 



Both species may often be taken with the trolling spoon when 

 other lures fail. 



The black bass spawn from jMarch to June according to the 

 climate. Their cannibalistic tendencies are strong, and the small 

 fishes should be kept separate from the large ones. 



Rock Bass or Red Eye, (Ainbloplites rupestris). Xext to the 

 black bass this is one of the most satisfactory species to cultivate, 

 especially in spring-fed ponds. Its natural range has been greatly 

 increased by artificial introduction. 



The rock bass increase rapidly and a pond of several acres 

 properly stocked will soon fill up with them. It is an excellent 

 food-fish, reaching, it is said, a weight of two pounds in some 

 waters, but in most ponds a quarter of a pound would be nearer 

 the average. The rock bass is one of the easiest fishes to catch, 

 readily taking worms, pieces of fish, grasshoppers, and other baits. 

 It will also take the artificial fly or small spoon either in casting 

 or trolling and is a vigorous fighter on the line. It builds and 

 guards its nest like the small-mouthed black bass, and in the 

 pond may be provided for in the same way. 



Yellozi' Perch, (Pcrca flavescens). If the pond is to be stocked 

 with yellow perch there will be "something doing," since it is a 

 remarkably prolific species, likely to take care of itself and reaches 

 a good size. It is an ideal pond-fish, readily caught and good to 

 eat. It has been introduced everywhere, and is therefore the 

 most easily procurable fish for stocking. Although its weight 

 in New York State sometimes exceeds three pounds, the average 

 of those taken in ponds is not much more than half a pound. 



Its flavor is best in spring and fall. In summer it should be 

 skinned to avoid any muddy flavor, but with this fish, skinning 

 is no more difficult than scaling. The largest fishes are to be 

 found in the deepest water. The usual run of fish baits are 

 efifective in fishing for it, and it may be taken with the artificial 

 fly or by trolling with spoon or minnow\ 



The yellow perch lays its eggs in masses in shallow water as 



